The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-02-21

INTERESTING "REMINISCENCES.
How John Goddard Erected Fortifi-
cations on Dorchester Heights.

We copy the following interesting piece OF
Revolutionary history from the Brockton
Evening Gazette of February II. The John
Goddard spoken of was great greatfather of
our townsman, Judge Goddard:
One of the oldest, widest known and most
highly respected citizens of Brockton, is the
Rev. Warren Goddard, father of Rev. Henry
Goddard, pastor of the New Jerusalem
Church. The hospitality of tits genial old
gentleman and his good wife is known
wherever they are, and it was during a call
upon them one day this week that Gazette
reporter enjoyed some "reminiscences of Mr..
Goddard's that were of sufficient interest. we
believe, to be read with pleasure by our
many readers.
native and citizen of Brookline. Mass. a
town just outside of Boston. He was born
in the year 1870, and in the revolutionary
days was in the prime of his manhood. That
he was a man OF activity and trustworthi-
ness is certain from the important charges
Gen. George Washington imposed upon him.
AT the time Gen. Howe was quartered with
his British army in Boston. Washington
communicated to John Goddard that fortifi-
cations must be erectedIon Dorchester Heights
and that he (Mr. Goddard would see to it
that the. work was done during a single
night Mr.. Goddard Immediately secured
300 teams and and in the evening departed
with his force OF sturdy, hearty patriots in
lOund dbpub way buIOuBU MllCOn TO the QeS-
ignated place. Mr.. Goddard's oldest sen
Joseph, uncle to the reporters informant.
drove one of 1.-THE teams and he was but
IA years of age.
Saplings were cut in the forests of Milton
to serve as fascines, orEmaterial for the for
tification, and were bound together IN short
lengths. No noise was made while travel
ling this distance; the men spoke in low
tones and not even the crack of whip was
heard. The men goading their oxen along
been well conducted to avoid discovery from
the British, who were so very near them.
Inc material once collected on the scene
OF their important work, the men labored
with rapidity, quietudc and efficiency, SO
t that az aaypreak all was done. No wonder
that Gen. Howe, looking from Boston six
miles distant said: "The Americans have
done more work in one night than nv whole
army could do in weeks" -Four or five pieces
OF cannon were removed from Mr.. Goddard's
home through Roxbury, and into position at
the Heights. and great piece Of work had
been successfully accomplished under per-
| sonal attention of this our loyal hearted Mr..
| Goddard. Several hundred pounds of gun
| powder that was stored in an old loft oppo-
site his home in Br3okline was likewise re-
moved. a small garrison of soldiers was
| quartered In the barn where this powder
| was stored and single spark would have
1 blown them into eternity
| At later date in the Revolution. Mr..
doqdard grove one OF the teams employed
by Washington to remove supplies from
Brookline to Concord; this journey was also
a perilous one. Mr.. John Goddard was an
eye witness Of the battle of Lexington. At
That memorable contest a certain Brookline
man was anxious to join in the fray, but had
no gun, so he borrowed an old fowling piece
| from John Goddard and into the ENGAGEMENT
he went. During this battle the gun was
lost and was not seen again until by accident
Mr.. Goddard discovered it suspended over
the fireplace in wayside inn he happened
to stop at while journeying to distant point.
The piece was claimed, and after it had been
proved by Mr.. Goddard as his property was
| given up This gun is now in the possession
OF the Goddard family. There are other very
pleasing incidents one can learn of from this
old clergyman's long remembrance that are
also very interesting.
Mr.. Goddard is a graduate of Harvard Col
lege Of the class of 1918, and of the 81 gradu-
ates there are only four living, one in New
buryport, one in Boston, one in BROOKLYN.
N. T.. and himself. He is now Sc years OF
age and seems to enjoy nearly every faculty
l of Vnufh ~-es